The Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee, a service of the Helen Ross McNabb Center, is hosting its 3rd annual Shatter the Silence event at Jackson Terminal, located at 205 W. Jackson Avenue in Knoxville on Thursday, April 19, from 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“Survivors of sexual assault often have feelings of guilt and shame, which cause them to stay silent about the abuse,” said Catherine Oaks, assistant director of victim services. “This is why it is very important to create a safe space in the community that enables us to have open conversations that promote the support and healing of survivors.”
This year’s event will include a yoga session from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., WATE’s Kristin Farley will emcee the event’s program, where Oaks, Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch and a survivor of sexual violence will speak. The program will be followed by live music and awareness information.
Men, women and children are all affected by sexual violence. One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the age of 18 years old. All services provided by the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee are free and confidential.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities
April 4: Start by Believing Day
The community is encouraged to unify around one message for survivors of sexual assault: We believe you! Take the pledge to start by believing here.
April 11: Teal Day
The community is invited to wear teal, the awareness color for sexual assault, and share pictures on social media using the hashtag #TEALout.
April 18: Red My Lips
The community is invited to help raise awareness for sexual assault by wearing red lipstick as part of the national “Red My Lips” movement. Learn more about the “Red My Lips” campaign here.
April 25: Denim Day
The community is encouraged to wear denim and share pictures on social media using the hashtag #DenimDay. To learn more about national Denim Day, click here.
The Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee celebrates 45 years of providing excellent and compassionate services for victims and survivors of sexual assault and empowering communities through education and social change. SACET was founded in 1973 as the Knoxville Rape Crisis Center and remains one of two comprehensive, community sexual assault agencies in the state of Tennessee, serving 16 counties. SACET has four programs areas, which include forensic nursing, advocacy, therapy and education. The 24-hour sexual assault crisis hotline is 865-522-7273.
The Helen Ross McNabb Center is a premier not-for-profit provider of behavioral health services in East Tennessee. Since 1948, the Center has provided quality and compassionate care to children, adults and families experiencing mental illness, addiction and social challenges. As the Center celebrates 70 years of providing services to communities in East Tennessee, its mission remains clear and simple; “Improving the lives of the people we serve.” For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 865‐637‐9711.
